The New Mexico Department of Health is urging customers of a now closed Albuquerque spa to take advantage of free HIV testing after two cases of the virus were found among clients who received injection-related procedures. According to a release, NMDOH is investigating two cases of HIV among VIP Spa clients who received a "vampire facial" between May and September of 2018. The VIP Spa closed in September of 2018 after an inspection of practices that could potentially spread blood-borne infections such as HIV, hepatitis B , and hepatitis C to clients. Additional laboratory testing on the specimens from the two clients indicates recent infection with the same HIV virus ̵

1; increasing the likelihood that the two HIV infections may have resulted from a procedure at the VIP spa. Right now the former clients can get free testing at the South Valley Health Commons at 2001 El Centro Familiar SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 on Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed from 12-100 pm); and Casa de Salud Family Medical Office located at 1608 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 on Thursdays from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm. What is a facial vampire? A facial vampire is when a small amount of client's blood is drawn and then spun to extract its plasma. The new Mexican regulation and licensing department said the owner of VIP Spa did not have a licensed professional to draw blood.Only a medical professional can do that.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. –

The New Mexico Department of Health is urging customers of a now closed Albuquerque spa to take advantage of free HIV testing after two cases of virus were found among clients who received injection-related procedures

According to a release , NMDOH is investigating two cases of HIV among VIP Spa clients who received a "vampire facial" between May and September of 2018.

The VIP Spa closed in September of 2018 after an inspection of practices that could potentially spread blood-borne infections , such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C to clients.

Additional laboratory tests on the two samples indicate recent infection with the same HIV virus – increasing the likelihood that the two HIV infections may have resulted from a procedure at the VIP spa.

Right now the former clients can get free testing at the South Valley Health Commons located at 2001 El Centro Familiar SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 on Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed from 12: 00 pm ); and Casa de Salud Family Medical Office located at 1608 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 on Thursdays from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

What is a vampire facial

A vampire facial is when a small amount of a client's blood is drawn and then spun to extract his plasma.

The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department said the owner of VIP Spa did not have a licensed professional to draw blood